Psychological support kit for breast cancer patients

ABSTRACT

The breast-cancer recovery system comprises a breast cancer recovery garment, an organizational subsystem and a needs kit. The breast cancer recovery garment comprises a body portion defining an opening, positioned, configured and dimensioned to allow the performance of a breast cancer treatment procedure and a closure device suitable for closing the opening when a procedure is not being performed. The body portion of the garment defines the elongated pocket proximate the bottom edge, extending along the bottom edge and defines slits in at least one of the sleeves. The body portion of the recovery garment comprises of a warm material and/or of decorative pattern. The organizational subsystem comprises a frame configured to support a plurality of color-coded files, and marked with identification tabs which relate to breast cancer patient needs, and customized medical information. A breast cancer patient needs kit comprises a basket-like container, a canvas tote bag, a canvas tote bag with a zipper closure, or a basket and clear wrap around it, at least one drug and/or medication and at least one edible item.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

(Not applicable).

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and system of devices forimproving breast cancer patient outlook during the treatment of breastcancer with the objective of providing patient comfort and improving thelikelihood of a successful treatment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Every year, hundreds of thousands of women are diagnosed with breastcancer. The diagnosis, indeed even the fear of a diagnosis that oftenfollows in the wake of the discovery of a lump after breastself-examination, can often be, initially at least, devastating to thepatient. These issues are of neither superficial nor passing concern. Tothe contrary, it has been demonstrated that patient attitudes andoutlooks have a direct bearing on recovery.

Notwithstanding the above, the medical system functions in the samemanner as the most mundane deliverers of goods and services. Patientsare all too often queued in long lines, sometimes waiting for hours fora five or ten minute visit with the doctor, or to receive treatment.Very often, radiation treatment is dispensed in basement facilities.These facilities are usually kept relatively cool to discourage thespread of germs.

Patients are forced to wait in line wearing a flimsy low-quality garmentsometimes referred to as a standard hospital garment “johnny”. Thegarment is of simple design, comprising a front portion, a pair ofsleeves, and a pair of complementary rear left and right side portions,which may be tied to each other by ribbon-like ties. Tying the ties doesnot close the garment well, allowing chilly breezes to cause discomfortand not remotely providing any privacy. The johnny has an appearancewhich is plain and drab. It is embarrassingly open in the back.

As noted above, the johnny is open and because of the flimsy material ofwhich it is made, the johnny provides for little protection from thecold. This is particularly serious because, during the treatment andrecovery from breast cancer, the patient is in a weakened state and isparticularly susceptible to chills which are both uncomfortable and canaffect the health.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In addition to the physical discomforts noted above, important andpotentially serious psychological factors come into the picture. As soonas a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, there is a serious dangerthat she feels, to a certain extent, diminished. In addition to the fearof the uncertain, the losses that may be suffered by her family, and thelikelihood of physical change, the health system imposes on her adepersonalized, uncomfortable, and debasing experience. Patients aregathered together in drab, flimsy, cold, exposing, and depersonalizingjohnny uniforms. These garments, far from flattering the appearance ofthe wearers, make the wearers look weak and sick. The garments are alsoidentified with people who are ill. The effect is immediate and theimpact felt on all who visit the patient. Human nature being what it is,the looks most likely to be seen by the patient on the faces of visitorsdo nothing but have an adverse impact on the patient's spirit. This, inaddition to causing pain and discomfort to the patient, cannot help butbe reflected unfavorably in the prospects for the success of treatment.

In essence, the patient fearing a loss of attractiveness is put in anunattractive garment which is plain and unflattering and which portraysone in a debasing, exposed, and weak-appearing way. In addition to this,the garment is depersonalizing, being commonly used by many individuals.

The difficulties encountered by the patient in the above circumstancesare compounded by serious additional chores and organizational tasks.Medications must be taken regularly. Treatment often results in soreswhich must be treated. Post surgical drains must be maintained.Typically bulbs, to which the drains are connected, are pinned to thepants of the patient because the johnny is too flimsy to support theirweight. If the patient forgets to unpin the bulbs, removing her pantsresults in pulling out the drains, with attendant distress, pain and thetrouble, and having to get a nurse to replace the catheter. During thepostoperative period, the patient is connected to surgical drains 24hours a day, and must sleep in a relatively restricted position. Thisposition must correspond to the position where the drains are pinned. Ifthe patient rolls over while sleeping, the arrangement may be disrupted.

Thus the patient is confronted with dehumanizing treatmentcircumstances, coupled with a record-keeping task involving insuranceand other related issues, which in turn is compounded by a panoply ofmedicines which must be obtained and whose use only serves to remind thepatient of her illness, focusing in on the collection of medicines andthe source or other problems which they are treating. Moreover, manysimple aids, not of a prescription nature, are unknown to many patients,as doctors may be too busy to spend time to inform patients about thingsthat might alleviate their suffering.

In accordance with the invention, a unified system is provided to boostthe morale of a woman who has been diagnosed with breast cancer or isbeing treated for breast cancer.

In accordance with the invention, a breast-cancer recovery system isprovided and comprises a garment made of a warm material, for instancecotton, flannel, or fleece, having slits and closure devices for openingand closing the garment and a pocket inside along the bottom edge of thegarment for holding surgical drains. The body portion of the garment hasan opening which may be positioned, configured and dimensioned to allowthe performance of a breast cancer treatment procedure, a medicalexamination or other medical testing. The opening of the garment runsfrom the neck to the bottom of the garment and is secured bynon-metallic snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop material, or other closuredevices. On the bottom inside of the garment is a pocket that holds andconceals surgical drains and bulbs. The material of the garment may havea decorative pattern.

The breast cancer recovery system also includes an organizational filingsystem comprised of a frame configured to support a plurality of fileswhich may be color-coded and marked with identification tabs whichrelate to breast cancer patient needs. The organizational filing systemmay include customized medical information forms.

The breast cancer recovery system also includes a needs kit comprised ofa bag or basket containing at least one drug and/or medication and atleast one edible item. For example, the needs kit may include medicatedcreams, teas, seasonal foods and/or drinks. The needs kit may alsoinclude items such as cosmetics, soap, self help counseling literature,a telephone card, note cards, a movie pass, a movie rental card and/or acoffee shop coupon.

At least one item selected from the group consisting of a telephonecard, a movie pass, and a coffee shop coupon is disposed in thebasket-like container. The breast cancer patient needs kit furthercomprises movie tickets or discount, restaurant services coupons, andcosmetics, lotions and soaps. It further comprises a seasonallyappropriate item, such as hot chocolate during the winter or a cold sodaduring the summer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The operation of the invention will become apparent from the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the garment in use;

FIG. 2 is a right hand side of the garment in use with the side slitbetween the right hand front panel and rear panel open;

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment, in which buttons or loopsare used to close slits along the sleeves;

FIG. 4 illustrates yet another embodiment, in which a pair of buttonspositioned parallel to the bottom edge is used to close the front ofgarment;

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate yet another embodiment of the invention, in whichbuttons along the arm and cuff are used to open and close the side ofthe garment;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the organizational filing systemportion of the inventive system; and

FIG. 9 is a front view of the basket-like bouquet of items portion ofthe inventive system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODE

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in accordance with the present invention, agarment particularly adapted for the treatment of breast cancer isprovided. Garment 10 comprises a body portion 12, a left arm portion 14and a right arm portion 16.

Arm portions 14 and 16 may be provided with cuffs 18 and 20. Cuffs 18and 20 may be unfolded down over their respective hands to the positionillustrated for cuff 20 in phantom lines in FIG. 1. In this position,right hand 22 is covered by cuff 20, thus providing warmth and comfortparticularly important in the weakened state of a patient receivingcancer treatment, whether it be chemotherapy, radiation therapy orsurgery. If desired, hook-and-loop closures may be provided on the cuffto enhance warmth. This measure is particularly effective in view of therelatively large amount of heat which is lost by an individual throughthe wrists due to the proximity of the venous system to the skin.

Arm portions 14 and 16 are provided with elongated slits 24 and 26,respectively. The slits may be closed by suitable Velcro type closures,such as mating closures 28 and 30 which are hidden from view, when thegarment is being worn, but illustrated in phantom lines in FIG. 2.

Elongated slits 24 and 26 are particularly useful for several proceduresnecessary during the course of breast cancer treatment, namely, medicalexaminations and testing.

Body portion 12 comprises a pair of overlapping front panels, namelyleft panel 32 and right panel 34. Left panel 32 and right panel 34overlap each other over a substantial area of the front of theindividual 36 wearing a garment, typically providing overlapping andalmost double protection for between one third and three quarters of thearea of the front of the individual wearing the garment 10. Left panel32 and right panel 34 may be securely closed using any suitable closure,such as buttons 36, Velcro type closures and so forth.

The surface of garment 10 is completed by a rear panel 38. The garmentalso defines a pair of slits or openings, one opening 40 between rightpanel 32 and rear panel 38, and another opening 42 between left panel 34and rear panel 38. These slits extend between 50% and 100% of thedistance between the hem 44 and the armpit. This distance is generallyabout sixteen inches. The length of the slit is about fourteen inches,but it may range between twelve to sixteen inches in the example and itis adjusted proportionally for garments of different size.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment, three elongated pockets,namely a right pocket 46, a left pocket 48, and a rear pocket 50 areprovided adjacent the hem of garment 10. Each pocket may extend theentire length of the segment of the hem adjacent to which it ispositioned. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the pockets areelongated in order to allow the placement of surgical drain bulbs at anydesired position. This may be achieved both at the rear of the patient,as well as along the right or left front side of the patient, with theuse of the appropriate pocket.

The pockets provide the necessary support to prevent the drains frombeing pulled from the body of the patient. At the same time, becausethey are elongated, the position of the drain collection reservoir bulbsmay be easily adjusted from one side to the other, for example toaccommodate sleeping in various positions and to hide the bulbs duringdaily routines.

The use of a pocket is particularly advantageous compared to theconventional pinning of the reservoir bulbs to the waist of thepatient's pants. In the case of the conventional approach, if thepatient, given the discomfort and pressure of the situation, forgets tounpin the bulbs before removing her pants, the drains are forciblypulled from the patient.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, alternatively, buttons 136 and loops 137 maybe used in a garment 110 to close slits 124. Also, if desired, a pair ofbuttons 134 may be used to more securely close the front of garment 110.

Alternatively, buttons 136 and loops 137 may be non-metallic snaps orhook-and-loop fasteners used in garment 110 to close slits 124.

FIGS. 5-7 show yet another garment 210 constructed in accordance withthe present invention. Garment 210 shows the sleeves which may besecured from top to hip during recovery and treatment, providing easystep-in access and simple access during exams while leaving a majorportion of the body covered. Referring to FIG. 8, in accordance with theinvention, the patient is also provided with a filing system 310 to helporganize the paperwork that comes along with long breast cancer care. Inconnection with this, it is noted that it has been discovered, inaccordance with the invention, that breast cancer patients, oftenbecause of the severe impact of the emotional stress associated with thedisease, are unable to effectively cope with the problems presented bythe disease in terms of organizational and financial burdens. Moreover,because of their often physically weakened and emotionally burdenedstate, patients are unable to organize even a simple filing system thatwill effectively help them to deal with the tasks associated with monthsof treatment.

Accordingly, in accordance with the invention, filing system 310includes a plurality of color-coded folders, preferably each a differentcolor. The folders are labeled with headings that allow the patient toorganize the basic tasks associated with treatment.

Generally, filing system 310 comprises a frame 312 and a plurality ofhanging folders 314. The hanging folders 314 have tabs 316 associatedwith them to identify their contents in a conventional matter. Inaccordance with a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention,filing system 310 is in a plastic fixed form (such as a box with ahinged cover) for easy portability. It may also be reduced in size toaccommodate 8½×11 inch sheets folded in half, being six inches high andnine inches wide. Depth can vary widely, for example three, six orfifteen inches.

Filing system 310 may be designed to be sold in a collapsed form whichallows it to be easily packaged with other parts of the invention systemand sold as a unit.

In accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention,the filing system 310 is designed to organize medical information and tomake information easily accessible to other people.

In accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention,the hanging folders 314 have tabs 316, said tabs 316 preferablyidentified as 1) “Patient form and questions/favorites”; 2) “Doctor'sinformation referral form”; 3) “Your EOB insurance explanation ofbenefits”; 4) “Your disability and Medicare information”; 5) “Yourpharmacy and Medicine information”; 6) “Your doctor's reports”; 7) “Yourbills and receipts”; and 8) “Miscellaneous”.

Finally, the invention system comprises a basket-like bouquet 410 ofitems as illustrated in FIG. 9. The items may be included in a basket ora canvas tote 412. The items inside the canvas tote 412 are selected tomeet all anticipated needs of the breast cancer patient, thuseliminating the pressure associated with thinking through one's needsand going through the trouble of acquiring numerous items from differentplaces. In accordance with the invention, the items in canvas tote 412include not only medications (a non-alcohol based mouth rinse, cankerpaste, shea butter cream, solar oil nail treatment, lavender bodylotion, tea tree oil, etc.), but also treats and other pleasure givingand pressure reducing items, such as chocolates, teas, coffee beans, andthe like. The basket also includes incentives to induce the individualto enter a healthier environment than solitude, such as coupons for alocal coffee shop, and movie passes or movie rentals. A long-distancecalling card and/or note cards helps provide the incentive forconversation with loved ones, the same being supplemented by suggestionsprinted on the telephone card or passes and coupons to call childhoodfriends and other individuals likely to reinvigorate the bedrock of apatient's social support system.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, it isanticipated that the invention of garment 10, the filing system 310 andthe bouquet 410 will be provided to the patient as a single unit. Thissingle unit is small and compact in size and easily provided to thepatient. At the same time, these three items cooperate with each otherto substantially improve the breast cancer patient's circumstances.

As it is understood from the above, garment 10 is attractive, giving thepatient a more attractive and less upsetting appearance to the patientherself and to others around the patient, such as her children andhusband. The reaction when they see her is thus more positive instead ofthe grave and sad faces that follow presentation of a breast cancerpatient in any typical standard hospital garment. Likewise, the patientherself feels better about herself when she looks at herself in a morepositive outfit. The end result is a generally more positive outlook forall concerned.

This positive outlook is bolstered by the comfort provided by the widearray of medications and comfort foods such as chocolates, teas, coffeebeans, and so forth found in the bouquet 410. Other items, such as finejellies, cookies and hot chocolate may also be included. Improvedinterpersonal communication is fostered by the improved appearance ofthe patient and reinforced by the patient leaving home and interactingwith other people at the movies, at coffee houses, and the like.Likewise, the provision of long-distance telephone cards and note cardsincreases contact with more people, making it more likely that thepatient will have more visitors. The overall effect is a greatenhancement and the sense of well-being and greater effectiveness intreatment.

Referring to FIGS. 10 through 14, in accordance with the presentinvention, fabric patterns that can be used to construct an embodimentof the present invention are provided.

FIG. 10 shows front panel fabric pattern 1010, which is used to definethe shape of two opposite but correspondingly-shaped pieces of fabricthat are used as the front panels of one embodiment of the garment.

FIG. 11 shows the fabric pattern for back panel 1120, which is used todefine the shape of the piece of fabric that is used as the back panelof one embodiment of the garment.

FIG. 12 shows the sleeve fabric pattern 1230, used to define the shapeof the piece of fabric that makes up each sleeve of one embodiment ofthe garment. Line 1231 denotes the position of the fold in the fabriccorresponding to the cuff of the sleeve.

FIG. 13 shows the back inside pocket pattern 1340, used to define theshape of the piece of fabric that is sewn to the inside of the backpanel at a convenient point towards the bottom of the panel.

FIG. 14 shows the front inside pocket pattern 1450, used to define theshape of the piece of fabric that is sewn to the inside of each of thefront panels at a convenient part towards the bottom of each panel.

While an illustrative embodiment of the invention has been described, itis understood that various modifications will be obvious to those onordinary skill in the art. Such modifications are within the spirit andscope of the invention which is limited and defined only by the appendedclaims.

1. A breast cancer recovery garment, comprising: (i) a body portiondefining an opening positioned, configured, and dimensioned to allow theperformance of a breast cancer treatment procedure, said body portiondefining a neck receiving opening at one end, a bottom edge at the otherend and a pair of sleeves in between; (ii) a decorative pattern disposedon said body portion; (iii) a closure device suitable for closing saidopening when a procedure is not being performed; and (iv) a pocketdisposed proximate said bottom edge.
 2. A breast cancer recovery garmentas in claim 1, wherein said body portion is comprised of an insulatingmaterial.
 3. A breast cancer recovery garment as in claim 2, whereinsaid body portion is comprised of cotton, flannel, or fleece materials.4. A breast cancer recovery garment as in claim 2, wherein said bodyportion defines slits in at least one of said sleeves.
 5. A breastcancer recovery garment as in claim 1, wherein said body portion definesslits in at least one of said sleeves.
 6. A breast cancer recoverygarment as in claim 5, wherein said body portion defines an elongatedpocket proximate to said bottom edge and extending along said bottomedge.
 7. A breast cancer recovery garment as in claim 6, wherein saidbody portion is comprised of an insulating material.
 8. A breast cancerrecovery garment as in claim 1, wherein said body portion is printedwith a bright decorative pattern.
 9. A breast cancer recovery garment asin claim 1, wherein said closure device is a non-metallic devicesuitable for closing said opening the garment.
 10. A breast cancerrecovery garment as in claim 9, wherein said closure device is anon-metallic snap suitable for closing said opening the garment.
 11. Abreast cancer recovery garment as in claim 9, wherein said closuredevice is a non-metallic button suitable for closing said opening thegarment.
 12. A breast cancer recovery garment as in claim 10, whereinsaid closure device is a non-metallic hook-and-loop assembly suitablefor closing said opening the garment.
 13. An organizational subsystemfor breast-cancer patients, comprising: (i) a structure configured tosupport a plurality of files; (ii) a plurality of color-coded filesconfigured to be supported in said structure and marked withidentification tabs which relate to breast cancer patient needs; (iii)customized medical information forms.
 14. A breast cancer patient needskit, comprising: (i) a basket-like container; (ii) at least one drugand/or medication disposed in said basket-like container; (iii) at leastone edible item disposed in said basket-like container; and (iv) atleast one item selected from the group consisting of a telephone card,note cards, a movie pass, a movie rental card and a coffee shop coupondisposed in said basket-like container.
 15. A breast-cancer patientneeds kit as in claim 14, further comprising: (v) movie tickets ordiscount coupons; (vi) restaurant services coupon; and (vii) cosmetics,and wherein said coupon or telephone card invites the patient to call afriend.
 16. A breast-cancer patient needs kit as in claim 15, furthercomprising: (viii) self help counseling literature.
 17. A breast-cancerpatient needs kit as in claim 16, further comprising: a seasonallyappropriate item, such as hot chocolate during wintertime and a coldsoda during summer.
 18. A breast-cancer patient needs kit as in claim17, wherein said basket-like container is a canvas tote bag.
 19. Abreast-cancer patient needs kit as in claim 14, wherein said basket-likecontainer is a canvas tote bag with a zipper closure.
 19. Abreast-cancer patient needs kit as in claim 14, wherein said basket-likecontainer is a basket and clear wrap disposed around it.
 20. Abreast-cancer recovery system, comprising: (a) a garment, comprising:(i) a body portion defining an opening positioned, configured anddimensioned to allow the performance of a breast cancer treatmentprocedure, said body portion defining a neck receiving opening at oneend, a bottom edge at the other end and a pair of sleeves in between;(ii) a decorative pattern disposed on said body portion; (iii) a closuredevice suitable for closing said opening when a procedure is not beingperformed; and (iv) a pocket disposed proximate said bottom edge;elongated in the direction of said bottom edge; (b) an organizationalsubsystem, comprising: (i) a frame configured to support a plurality offiles; and (ii) a plurality of files configured to be supported in saidframe; color-coded; and (c) a needs kit, comprising: (i) a basket-likecontainer; (ii) at least one drug and/or medication disposed in saidbasket-like container; a plurality of drugs and or medications; and(iii) at least one edible item disposed in said basket-like container;teas, coffee beans, and seasonal foods or drinks.